Word/Phrase Used

What is Required

Account for

Give an explanation of why something is the way it is.

Analyze

Explain the various parts of something to explain how (or if) they work together, supplying points for and against.

Apply

Use the facts given to make your point.

Assess

Evaluate or give an opinion of the nature or quality of something, weighing up the pros and cons.

Clarify

Make clearer, and if appropriate, explain it in simpler terms.

Compare

Write a description of the similarities between two or more things.

Contrast

Write a description of the differences between two or more things.

Consider

Give your opinion, supported by appropriate evidence from external sources or personal experience. Include views contrary to your own and show how they relate to your views.

Comment on

Select the main points and give your opinion, supporting this with relevant evidence from your wider reading.

Compare and Contrast

Write a description of first the similarities, and then the differences between two or more things.

Create

Make something new from the given facts.

Critically evaluate

Give your opinion on the validity of a statement or findings in a body of research, demonstrating the extent of your agreement with them. Support this with a range of evidence for and against. Justify your conclusion based on the most significant factors.

Define

Write a short paragraph explaining in precise language the meaning of X.

Demonstrate

Show how, using relevant examples.

Describe

Write a detailed account on the given topic.

Discuss

Give an account of the different opinions you have read about on the subject, giving points for and against and drawing your own conclusion from the points presented.

Elaborate on

Write about the statement or quotation given in the question in more detail, and give your own opinion on this

Evaluate

Write your opinion, supporting this with appropriate evidence, on the significance, value or worth of something.

Evaluate the validity of [i.e. a statement]

Very similar to the above, but the given statement is probably not accurate. You should explain why it is wrong, finishing with your own opinion.

Examine

Explore each part of the statement or argument in careful detail.

Explain

Write about the precise meaning of something, making it clearer.

Explore

Taking an investigative approach, consider different viewpoints; aim to reconcile conflicting views, giving a final line of argument.

Give an account of

Give an ordered, detailed account in report form.

Illustrate

Decide what the key points are and write about their implications.

Interpret

Show your understanding of the issue/topic by examining any significant patterns and contributing relationships.

Justify

Present evidence to support your ideas and viewpoints. This should be a balanced argument, taking into consideration opinions which may conflict with your own, before reaching your conclusion.

List

Present a group of items in the order required, and without commenting unless asked to do so.

Outline

Describe the main points only.

Relate X to Y

Present the connections between two things, discussing the similarities and differences.

Review

Examine the subject in detail.  Make a critical assessment rather than offering just a description.

Show how

Give a logical presentation of reasons and causes for something.

State

Referring to evidence, give a clear and concise explanation of key points.

Suggest

Put forward a theory and support this by showing how it could work.

Summarize

Present the main facts, omitting unnecessary detail and keeping examples brief.

Trace

Follow the development of something in a logical way from its starting point.

To what extent does…

Present an argument by thoroughly assessing the evidence, and exploring alternative explanations if these exist.

Understand

Demonstrate your knowledge by explaining the facts.